Removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus and method thereof

ABSTRACT

A removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus and method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus mounts to an existing forestock of a weapon with an interference fit actuated by a single screw. The apparatus also includes a passage for receiving the barrel of a target illumination device. Resilient prongs are provided adjacent the rear of the passage to press the illumination device longitudinally along approximately the same axis as the weapon&#39;s barrel to prevent dislodgment upon movement of the weapon during handling or discharge, and to enable relatively quick, one-handed release and replacement of the entire illumination device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to weapons, and more specifically to a removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus for a weapon and method thereof.

Target-illuminating devices such as flashlights, lasers, pointers, and the like are often employed by police and civilian security agencies to designate a possible target. As such, various ways to mount target-illuminating devices to various weapons, such a pistols, rifles, and shotguns have been developed, such as using an attachable holder. Although some of the attachable illuminating device holders are suitable for their intended purposes, improvements are still needed in the way to quickly mount a target-illuminating device holder to a weapon as some problems remain.

For example, some prior art devices attach a target-illuminating device to a shotgun using multiple screws sank into the shotgun's forestock. In situations where such screws loosen and/or fall out, tightening or re-attaching the device may be unavailable in the field without various tools and extra screws. Furthermore, devices which are attached to the forestock with adhesive and screws sank into the forestock cannot be easily switched to another shotgun. Moreover, the grip position on such target illumination device holders cannot be adjusted easily on the forestock, to account for personnel of different sizes using the shotgun.

In prior art devices, which replace the forestock with one that has an integral target-illuminating device, special training is required to remove the existing forestock and install the new forestock. In addition to special training, special tools and multiple parts are also needed to install such a prior art device. In addition, as with the screw on devices, the grip position on an illuminated device made integral with the forestock cannot be adjusted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is against the above background that the present invention provides a number of advantages and advance over the prior art. The present invention provides a removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip designed to allow police, security personnel, tactical teams, and military personnel to provide a target illumination device, such as a flashlight, a laser, and the like to a weapon, such as a shotgun, pistol, and rifle.

In one embodiment, the present invention is constructed of a high impact material, which provides a stable shape such that the present invention may be used without the target illumination device accommodated in a provided throughbore or passage. The present invention provides tension tabs or resilient indented prongs at rear of device adjacent the exit of the passage to removably, yet securely hold the illuminating device therebetween. The present invention, in one embodiment, also removably yet firmly attaches to the existing forestock of a shotgun by simply tightening one screw located in the rear of the apparatus, thereby causing an interference fit between the existing forestock and an locking mechanism of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention attaches firmly to the bottom of the existing forestock without any special tools or training. The locking mechanism allows for quick and easy installation and removal of the apparatus. The present invention, which is ergonomically designed with a non-slip grip pattern, can also be moved forward or back on the forestock so individuals of all sizes can adjust the position of the apparatus to their own comfort.

In another embodiment, rails may be provided to the present invention permits the user to choose between 2 different light attachment methods. The first is to utilize the integrated light holder in the grip by simply sliding a rechargeable flashlight, such as for example, a Streamlight Stinger brand flashlight, into the opening until the rear of the flashlight locks between the prongs located in the rear of the holder. This method allows the user to place the light in a position that is easiest for them to actuate. The light can be quickly removed by pulling on the light towards the front. The second light attachment method is to attach a light by utilizing one of the three positional rails located on either side of the integrated target-illuminating device holder and shotgun grip. The rails permit a light such as for example, a Streamlight M-3 brand flashlight or similar lighting device, to simply slide onto the rail and place it in one of three positions that best suits the user.

Accordingly, in one illustrated embodiment, a removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus for detachably securing a target-illuminating device to a weapon having a barrel and a forestock is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first portion having a contoured interior surface, which is shaped to mate closely with the forestock of the weapon, and a second portion adjacent the first portion and having a releasable locking mechanism adapted to cause an interference fit between the forestock of the weapon when tightened.

In another illustrated embodiment, a removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus for detachably securing a target-illuminating device to a weapon is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first portion having a longitudinally extending passage sized to accept the illuminating device, indented resilient prongs located adjacent an opening of the passage to press the target-illuminating device along approximately the same axis as the barrel of the weapon, and a pair of rails.

In still other illustrated embodiment, a method for detachably securing a target-illuminating device to a weapon having a barrel and a forestock is disclosed. The method comprises providing a removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus to the forestock of the weapon. The apparatus comprising a first portion having a contoured interior surface which is shaped to mate closely with the forestock of the weapon, a second portion adjacent the first portion and having a longitudinally extending passage sized to accept the illuminating device, and indented resilient prongs located adjacent an opening of the passage to press the target-illuminating device along approximately the same axis as the barrel of the weapon, and a releasable locking mechanism adapted to cause an interference fit between the forestock of the shogun when tightened. The method further includes tightening the locking mechanism to attach the apparatus to the weapon, and accommodating the illuminating device in the passage.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from the following description of various embodiments of the invention taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a first illustrative embodiment of the invention as it would be attached to an example of a common police-style shotgun and as it would hold an example of a common police-style flashlight;

FIG. 2 shows a close-up elevated front side view of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a close-up rear view of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a close-up side view of the invention of FIG. 1 releasable attached to a common police-style shotgun and releasably holding an example flashlight inserted therein;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a third embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention.

As shown by FIG. 1, mounted releasably together are a common police-style shotgun 10 and a target-illuminating device 20 by an integrated target-illuminating device holder and shotgun grip or apparatus 30 according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the common police-style shotgun 10 is, such as for example, a Remington brand, Model 870 Police shotgun. In such an embodiment, the apparatus 30 has an interior surface 32 which is shaped to mate closely with a forestock 12 of the particular shotgun for which it is intended. However, in other embodiments, the present invention may be intended and used with any conventional shotgun.

As well known to those experienced in the shotgun art, the forestock 12 in such a shotgun is grasped by the user and manipulated with a back-and-forth sliding action to actuate a mechanism 14 in the example shotgun for the purpose of ejecting spent shotgun shells, chambering live shells and cocking the hammer. In this embodiment, the user would grasp a molded integrated grip 34 of the apparatus 30 and manipulate it in a fashion identical to the way he or she would grasp the factory-installed forestock 12 of the shotgun 10. It is to be appreciated that the grip 34 is provided with an ergonomically designed, non-slip grip pattern.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the pattern of the grip 34 is formed of three raised finger portions 36 provided slanted and separated from each other as shown by FIG. 4, in order to provide suitable spacing and surface area for a user with gloves to grip and positively manipulate the apparatus 30 without slippage. In one embodiment, the finger portions 36 are raised above the exterior surface of the grip 34 a distance ranging from about ¼ of an inch to about 1 inch, and separated from each other a distance ranging from about ½ of an inch to about 1 ½ inches. It is further to be appreciated, that by design, the grip 34 does not mimic the contour and grip pattern of a shotgun's typical factory-supplied forestock 12 to which it may be releasably mounted, as is intended by some prior art devices.

The body material of the apparatus 30 is a high impact material, and may be injection molded or cast out of any of a number of types of polymers or composite materials or machined out of any one of a number of polymers, composites, metals or wood. In this embodiment, the body material is a glass filled polycarbonate material.

As is well known, a flashlight such as is shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 and 4, typically includes a barrel portion 22 which typically houses disposable or rechargeable batteries, and a head portion 24 which typically houses a lamp, reflector and lens assembly 26 which in turn are often retained in place by a bezel 28. By way of example, FIG. 4 illustrates such a flashlight as being a StreamLight brand, model Stinger, flashlight which is a common rechargeable flashlight often issued to police and security officers for patrol use. In this embodiment, the example the flashlight's head portion 24 also contains an on/off switch 27. Similar designed lasers, pointers, or other illumination devices having a barrel may be used with the present invention.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the apparatus 30 contains a smooth walled passage 38 which is fabricated to accept the barrel 22 of a specific example Stinger flashlight 20. It is to be appreciated that a slight insertion force of the flashlight into the apparatus 30 is necessary due to the closeness of the diameter of the passage 38 to the exterior diameter of the barrel 22 of the flashlight 20. In one embodiment, the difference between these two diameters is less than 1/32 of an inch, thereby providing the barrel 22 with a snug yet releasably fit within the passage 38 of the apparatus 30. Other passages of other sizes may be provided in other embodiments to accommodate barrels of other illuminating devices. It is also to be appreciated that with the apparatus 30 mounted releasably to the forestock 12 of the shotgun 10, the passage 38 is provided in approximately the same plane as, and parallel to, a barrel 16 of the example shotgun 12.

As best shown by FIGS. 3 and 4, the apparatus 30 is further provided with a pair of resilient indented prongs 40 adjacent the rear of the passage 38. The prongs 40 are designed such that they engage some portion of barrel 22 when flashlight 20 is accommodated in the passage 38. It is to be appreciated that the shape of the passage 28 and head portion 24 of the flashlight prevent over insertion of the flashlight into the passage, such that the on/off switch 27 may still be operated by a user. It is further to be appreciated that the engagement of the barrel 22 of the flashlight 20 between the resilient indented prongs 40 ensures that the flashlight can be inserted in only one orientation, prevents it from rotating once inserted, and also indexes the on/off switch 27 about the longitudinal axis of the barrel 38 in any orientation desired by the operator of the shotgun.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the present invention is removably yet firmly attached to the existing forestock 12 of the example shotgun 10 by a locking mechanism 42 of the apparatus 30. In particular, a screw 44 located in the rear of the apparatus 30 which when tightened causes an interference fit between the existing forestock 12 and a tension wedge 46 of the locking mechanism 42. As best shown in FIG. 2, the tension wedge 46 is slidably accommodated in a track 48 molded in the interior surface of the apparatus below the contoured interior surface 32. As illustrated, the tension wedge 46 is shaped to be retained in the track 48 by a pair of rail portions 50 provided by the apparatus 30. In the illustrated embodiments, the tension wedge 46 is also provided with a patterned top surface 49 that increases the resistance created between the tension wedge and the engaged bottom surface of the forestock 12.

In addition to the interference fit, as the tension wedge 46 is drawn into engagement with the bottom of the forestock 12, a pair of hooked portions 52 of the apparatus 30 comes into firm engagement with the upper portions of the forestock 12. As shown by FIG. 4, the forestock 12 is larger than the apparatus 30. Accordingly, the apparatus 30 can be moved forward or back on the forestock 12 without compromising its attachment strength, and thereby providing a range of adjustment so that individuals of all sizes can adjust the apparatus 30 to their own comfort. In one embodiment, the range of this forestock adjustment for the apparatus 30 is from about 1 inch to about 2 inches measured from the front of the forestock 12. Furthermore, since the apparatus attaches firmly to the bottom of the existing forestock 12 of the example shotgun 12 by an interference fit, the locking mechanism 42 allows for quick and easy installation and removal of the apparatus 30 without a special tool or training.

It is also to be appreciated that for convenience of illustration and discussion, the apparatus 30 can be divided into a first portion 54 and a second portion 56 as illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown, the first potion 54 includes the shaped interior surface 32 and hooked portions 52. The second portion 56 includes the locking mechanism 42, the passage 38, the grip 34, grip pattern 36, and prongs 40.

To utilize this embodiment of the apparatus 30, the user operating the example firearm 10 would take a working flashlight 20 and insert it into the passage 38 of the second portion 56. The barrel 22 of the example flashlight 20 is accommodated in the passage 38 and engaged by the prongs 40 to properly aligning the example flashlight with the barrel 16 of the shotgun and preventing it from rotating therein. As best seen in FIG. 4, the head 24 of the flashlight, the on/off switch, and bezel 28 remain exposed and extend laterally away from the axis of the passage 38. Accordingly, to operate the example flashlight 20, the user would actuate the exposed on/off switch 27 located forward of the apparatus 30.

To remove or replace the example flashlight 20, the user would grasp the example flashlight's head 24 between his or her thumb and second finger and pull to permit the example flashlight 20 to be withdrawn from the passage 38.

The above description and drawings are only to be considered illustrative of exemplary embodiments, which achieve the features and advantages of the present invention. Modification and substitutions to specific structures can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For example, and not to be limited by, FIGS. 5-7 show other various alternative embodiments on the present invention. In a first alternative embodiment, the present invention is designed to provide personnel with a tactical light mount and grip for a shotgun, such as for example, the Remington Magnum 870 shotgun. As with the previous embodiment, this alternative embodiment attaches to the shotgun by sliding the device 30 onto the existing forestock and then tightening the screw 44 in the rear that activates the tension wedge 46 to lock the device 30 into place, such as shown in FIG. 4. In this alternative embodiment, the device 30 is further provided with a pair of three positional rails 58, one on each side of the device 30. In an alternative embodiment, only one rail 58 may be provided. As shown best by FIG. 5B, the rails 58 are shaped such that a flashlight 60, such as for example, a Streamlight M-3 brand flashlight or similar flashlight, can be attached thereto. Once attached, the flashlight can be moved forward or backward to one of three different positions, provided by locking locations 62 provided on each of the rails 58, to allow for personal preference and individual fit.

In still another alternative embodiment, the device 30 may just include only the first portion 54 provided with the rails 58. This embodiment is illustrated by FIGS. 6A and 6B. In such an embodiment, the device 30 mounts to the weapon in the same manner as described above via the sliding tension wedge 46 being operated by screw 44. Such an embodiment is useful to those users desiring to mount a flashlight via the rails 58 only, such as on a pistol, where a grip is not necessary.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the device 30 may just include only the second portion 56, such as illustrated by FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C. In such an embodiment, the device 30 is designed to provide personnel with a tactical light mount and grip for a rifle, such as for example, the M-4, M-16, AR-15 models. The device 30 in this embodiment is mounted to a stock lower half 64 of the rifle, which is attached to the rifle by pulling back on a forestock locking ring (not shown) as a replacement. Optionally, rails 58 may also be provide to this embodiment.

Accordingly, in view of all the above described embodiments, the invention is not to be considered as being limited by the foregoing description and drawings, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus for detachably securing a target-illuminating device to a weapon having a barrel and a forestock, said apparatus comprising: a first portion having a contoured interior surface which is shaped to mate closely with the forestock of the weapon; a second portion adjacent said first portion and having a releasable locking mechanism adapted to cause an interference fit between the forestock of the weapon when tightened.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a tension wedge slidably accommodated in a track provided adjacent the contoured interior surface.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a tension wedge slidably accommodated in a track provided adjacent the contoured interior surface, and wherein said tension wedge is shaped to be retained in said track by a provided pair of rail portions of the apparatus.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a tension wedge slidably accommodated in said apparatus and a screw for causing movement of said tension wedge.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a tension wedge slidably accommodated in a track of said apparatus, said tension wedge having a patterned surface which increases the resistance created by the interference fit.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first portion further comprises hooked portions adapted to engage firmly the forestock when said locking mechanism is tightened.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first portion further comprises hooked portions adapted to engage firmly the forestock when said locking mechanism is tightened, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a tension wedge slidably accommodated in said apparatus and a screw for causing movement of said tension wedge, wherein movement of said tension wedge causes the interference fit.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second portion further has a longitudinally extending passage sized to accept the target-illuminating device, and indented resilient prongs located adjacent an opening of said passage to press the target-illuminating device along approximately the same axis as the barrel of the weapon.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second portion further has a longitudinally extending passage sized to accept the target-illuminating device, and indented resilient prongs located adjacent an opening of said passage to press the target-illuminating device along approximately the same axis as the barrel of the weapon, and wherein said second portion has an exterior surface with a non-slip grip pattern.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second portion further has a longitudinally extending passage sized to accept the target-illuminating device, and indented resilient prongs located adjacent an opening of said passage to press the target-illuminating device along approximately the same axis as the barrel of the weapon, and wherein said second portion has an exterior surface with a non-slip grip pattern comprising three separated raised portions provided at a slant.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pair of rails configured to mount the target-illuminating device.
 12. A removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus for detachably securing a target-illuminating device to a weapon, said apparatus comprising: a first portion having a longitudinally extending passage sized to accept the illuminating device, and indented resilient prongs located adjacent an opening of said passage to press the target-illuminating device along approximately the same axis as the barrel of the weapon; and a pair of rails.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a second portion adjacent the first portion and having a contoured interior surface that is shaped to mate closely with a forestock of the weapon.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said first portion has a grip pattern on an exterior surface thereof.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a releasable locking mechanism adapted to cause an interference fit between a forestock of the shogun when tightened, said locking mechanism having a screw attached to a tension wedge, said tension wedge being accommodated slidably in a track provided in said first portion adjacent the contoured interior surface.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said tension wedge is shaped to be retained in said track by a provided pair of rail portions provided in said second portion.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said tension wedge has a patterned surface which increases the resistance created by the interference fit.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said second portion further comprises hooked portions adapted to engage firmly the forestock when said locking mechanism is tightened, wherein movement of said tension wedge causes the interference fit.
 19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is a material selected from glass filled polycarbonates, polymers, composites, metals, woods and combinations thereof.
 20. A method for detachably securing a target-illuminating device to a weapon having a barrel and a forestock, said method comprising: providing a removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus to the forestock of the weapon, said apparatus comprising: a first portion having a contoured interior surface which is shaped to mate closely with the forestock of the weapon, a second portion adjacent said first portion and having a longitudinally extending passage sized to accept the illuminating device, and indented resilient prongs located adjacent an opening of said passage to press the target-illuminating device along approximately the same axis as the barrel of the weapon, and a releasable locking mechanism adapted to cause an interference fit between the forestock of the shogun when tightened; tightening said locking mechanism to attach said apparatus to said weapon; and accommodating the illuminating device in said passage. 